Page 28 of You Had Me At Valentine

No. No, I’m not.

Even if she never forgives me, she deserves to know that every choice I made—right or wrong—came from loving her too much, not too little.

Time to fight for what matters.

Nine

Lyra

Valentine’s Day is supposed to be about love, but today it’s about war.

I stride through the resort offices and pass my assistant. The folder in my hand has everything in it I need, no assistance required. Inside is a copy of the inn’s financials, my business plan for it, testimonials from the party, and most importantly, my resignation letter.

The truth about Byron’s Valentine left scorch marks across my heart and they’re still smoldering as we speak. Though, let’s be honest, the bigger revelation—that my father manipulated my entire life—is still doing a number on me too.

He sent Byron away with an offer he couldn’t refuse. Turned him into a weapon that could be aimed back at me whenever convenient.

And Byron let him.

I’m still trying to decide which one I’m more furious with.

I take the elevator to the top floor where my father’s office commands the best view of the valley. His admin sees me coming and doesn’t try to stop me.

I throw open his office door without knocking.

Lachlan MacLellan glances up, his expression shifting from annoyance to wariness in the space of a heartbeat. “Lyra. I wasn’t expecting you.”

“We need to talk about expectations.” I drop the folders on his desk. “Specifically, yours. And how they’ve shaped my entire life.”

His eyebrows lift. “I assume this has something to do with the inn?”

“This haseverythingto do with the inn. And Byron. And how you sent him away ten years ago because heaven forbid your daughter make her own choices.”

He doesn’t bother to look remorseful or even guilty. “I did what was best for both of you.”

“Best forus?” I laugh, but it comes out raw. “Or best for your plans? Because I’m starting to see a pattern here. Leith and Liamdidn’t like your vision for them, so they left. And when I showed signs of wanting something that could possibly veer me from the path you had laid out for me, you made sure to nip that in the bud.”

“That’s not what happened.”

He believes that fully. I can tell that this will be an uphill battle.

“Then explain it to me, Dad. Because from where I’m standing, you’ve spent the last decade grooming me to take over the resort while systematically removing any other options.”

His expression doesn’t change. “This resort belongs to you. It needs a MacLellan at the helm, as it always has. You’re the right one to continue in my footsteps”

“No.” The word comes out quiet but firm. “The resort needssomeone, but it’s not going to be me.” I tap the top folder. “My resignation. Effective immediately.”

My father is genuinely shocked. “You can’t be serious.”

“You’re my father and I will always have a place for you in my heart, but I’m no longer letting you choose my life for me.” I meet his gaze steadily. “I’m done trying to make up for Leith and Liam leaving. And I’m buying the inn.”

“With what money?”

“I’ll figure it out.” I turn toward the door, then pause. “You know what the difference is between me and my brothers, Dad? They ran from the resort. I’m walking away. On my terms. Toward something I choose.”

“Lyra.”

I turn, one hand on the handle.

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